Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
  • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
  • H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
  • H01R4/2445—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members having additional means acting on the insulation or the wire, e.g. additional insulation penetrating means, strain relief means or wire cutting knives
  • H01R4/2462—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members having additional means acting on the insulation or the wire, e.g. additional insulation penetrating means, strain relief means or wire cutting knives the contact members being in a slotted bent configuration, e.g. slotted bight
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
  • B01D35/02—Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
  • C02F1/003—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance using household-type filters for producing potable water, e.g. pitchers, bottles, faucet mounted devices
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
  • H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
  • H01B7/0045—Cable-harnesses
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
  • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
  • H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
  • H01R12/712—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit
  • H01R12/714—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit with contacts abutting directly the printed circuit; Button contacts therefore provided on the printed circuit
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/02—Contact members
  • H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
  • H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
  • H01R13/2407—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/02—Contact members
  • H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
  • H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
  • H01R13/2442—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted with a single cantilevered beam
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/02—Contact members
  • H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
  • H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
  • H01R13/2464—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the contact point
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
  • H01R13/50—Bases; Cases formed as an integral body
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
  • H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
  • H01R13/6658—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit on printed circuit board
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
  • H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
  • H01R13/6691—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit with built-in signalling means
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
  • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
  • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
  • H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
  • H01R4/242—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot
  • H01R4/2437—Curved plates
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
  • B01D2201/52—Filter identification means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
  • B01D2201/54—Computerised or programmable systems
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01D—SEPARATION
  • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
  • B01D2201/56—Wireless systems for monitoring the filter
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
  • C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
  • C02F2201/004—Seals, connections
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
  • C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
  • C02F2201/006—Cartridges
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
  • C02F2209/005—Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
  • C02F2209/44—Time
  • C02F2209/445—Filter life
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2307/00—Location of water treatment or water treatment device
  • C02F2307/12—Location of water treatment or water treatment device as part of household appliances such as dishwashers, laundry washing machines or vacuum cleaners

Definitions

• the present invention is directed an electrical connector and wire harness assembly for connecting to a substrate.
• the invention is directed to an electrical connector and wire harness assembly which has contacts which compress when mated to a substrate.
• a movable component In various applications, a movable component must make an electrical connection with a base component in order for the movable component to function properly when installed. Accordingly a need exists for an improved electrical connector.
• An embodiment is directed to a wire harness assembly including a first connector, a second connector, and conductors extending between the first connector and the second connector.
• Contacts are provided on the second connector.
• the contacts have termination sections which are mounted on the second connector, compliant sections which extend from the termination sections, and substrate engagement sections which extend from the compliant sections.
• the substrate engagement sections have curved contact sections which are configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with circuit pads of a mating printed circuit board. Embossments are provided on the curved contact sections.
• An embodiment is directed to a wire harness assembly including a first connector, a second connector, and conductors extending between the first connector and the second connector.
• Contacts are provided on the second connector.
• the contacts have termination sections which are mounted on the second connector, compliant sections which extend from the termination sections, and substrate engagement sections which extend from the compliant sections.
• the termination sections have folded over areas provided proximate free ends. Insulation displacement slots are provided in the folded over areas and cooperate with the conductors.
• the second connector has a housing with an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface.
• Contact-receiving enclosures extend from the upper surface in a direction away from the lower surface, the contact-receiving enclosures are dimensioned to receive the free ends of the termination sections of the contacts and a portion of the folded over areas therein.
• Conductor-receiving conduits are provided between the upper surface and the lower surface, the conductor-receiving conduits are dimensioned to receive a portion of the conductors therein. The conductors positioned in the conductor-receiving conduits extend through the contact- receiving enclosures.
• An embodiment is directed to an electrical connector for use with a wire harness assembly.
• Contacts provided on the electrical connector.
• the contacts have termination sections which are mounted on the electrical connector, compliant sections which extend from the termination sections, and substrate engagement sections which extend from the compliant sections.
• the termination sections have folded over areas provided proximate free ends. Insulation displacement slots are provided in the folded over areas and cooperate with the conductors.
• the electrical connector includes a housing with an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface.
• Contact-receiving enclosures extend from the upper surface in a direction away from the lower surface. The contact-receiving enclosures are dimensioned to receive portions of the termination sections of the contacts.
• Conductor-receiving conduits are provided between the upper surface and the lower surface.
• the conductor- receiving conduits are dimensioned to receive a portion of the conductors therein.
• the conductors positioned in the conductor-receiving conduits extend through the contact-receiving enclosures.
• FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an electrical connector and wire harness according to the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical connector and wire harness of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector and wire harness of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of several contacts of the electrical connector of FIG. 3.
• FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of an electrical connector and wire harness according to the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical connector and wire harness of FIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector and wire harness of FIG. 5.
• a movable component may make an electrical connection with a base component. For example, it may be desirable to position a removable water filter in electrical connection with the circuitry of a refrigerator (e.g., in order for the refrigerator to allow water to flow to through the removable filter to properly filter the water).
• An electrical connector which interfaces with the movable component e.g., water filter
• Such connection may be achieved through the use of printed circuit boards and expensive contacts of the electrical connector.
• an illustrative wire harness 10 includes a first connector 12, a second connector 14 and wires or conductors 16 extending therebetween.
• a first connector 12 a second connector 14
• wires or conductors 16 extending therebetween.
• four conductors 16 are provided, but other number of conductors 16 can be provided to accommodate the electrical requirements without departing from the scope of the invention.
• Contacts 18 are provided at one end of the conductors 16.
• the contacts 18 are configured to be inserted into the housing 20 of the first connector 12. While crimped contacts 18 are shown, the contacts 18 are not so limited.
• the first connector 12 is not limited to the type of plug connector shown. In some embodiments, the first connector 12 is connected to the circuitry of an appliance, such as a refrigerator.
• the second connector 14 has contacts 22 provided therein.
• contacts 22 are provided so that each of the conductors 16 may be terminated.
• other numbers of contacts 22 may be provided based on the number of conductors 16.
• the contacts 22 are stamped and formed from material having the appropriate electrical and mechanical characteristics.
• the contacts 22 have wire termination sections 24, transition or compliant sections 26 and substrate engagement sections 28.
• the wire termination sections 24 have folded over areas 30 provided proximate the free ends 32. Slots 34 are provided in the folded over areas 30 to form insulation displacement slots which cooperate with the conductors 16 to place the contacts 22 in electrical engagement with the conductors 16.
• the transition or compliant sections 26 extend from the wire termination sections 24. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the transition or compliant sections 26 extend at essentially right angles from the wire termination sections 24, although other angles may be used. Embossments 36 extend from the wire termination sections 24 to the transition or compliant sections 26 to provide additional strength and stability between the wire termination sections 24 and the transition or compliant sections 26. The shape, size and positioning of the embossments 36 may be varied depending upon the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contacts that is desired.
• the substrate engagement sections 28 extend from the transition or compliant sections 26. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the substrate engagement sections 28 extend at essentially right angles from the transition or compliant sections 26, although other angles may be used.
• the substrate engagement sections 28 have curved contact sections 38 which are configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with circuit pads 40 (e.g., of a mating printed circuit board 42).
• the printed circuit board is part of a waterfilter.
• the wire harness 10 is positioned within a refrigerator manifold that is configured to receive a water filter. In such embodiment, the wire harness 10 may be employed to establish an electrical connection between the circuitry of the refrigerator and the printed circuit board of the water filter.
• Embossments 44 are provided on the curved contact sections 38 to provide additional strength and stability to the curved contact sections 38.
• the shape, size and positioning of the embossments 44 may be varied depending upon the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contacts that is desired.
• the housing 46 of the second connector 14 has an upper surface 48 and an oppositely facing lower surface 50.
• Contact-receiving enclosures 52 extend from the upper surface 48 in a direction away from the lower surface 50. In the embodiment shown, four contact-receiving enclosures 52 are provided so that each of the contacts 22 may be positioned in a contact-receiving enclosure 52. However, other numbers of contact-receiving enclosures 52 may be provided based on the number of contacts 22 and conductors 16.
• the contact-receiving enclosures 52 are dimensioned to receive the free ends 32 of the contacts 22 and a portion of the folded over areas 30 of the wire termination sections 24 therein.
• Conductor-receiving conduits 54 are provided between the upper surface 48 and the lower surface 50.
• the conductor-receiving conduits 54 are dimensioned to receive a portion of the conductors 16 therein.
• the conductor- receiving conduits 54 are provided in-line with the contact-receiving enclosures 52 such that the conductors 16 positioned in the conductor-receiving conduits 54 extend through the contact-receiving enclosures 52.
• Contact-receiving projections 56 extend from the lower surface 50 in a direction away from the upper surface 48. In the embodiment shown, four contact-receiving projections 56 are provided so that each of the contacts 22 may be positioned in a contact-receiving projection 56. However, other numbers of contact-receiving projections 56 may be provided based on the number of contacts 22 and conductors 16. Slots 58 are provided in the contact- receiving projections 56. The slots 58 are dimensioned to receive and retain a portion of the folded over areas 30 of the wire termination sections 24 therein.
• the conductors 16 are inserted in the conductor-receiving conduits 54, such that ends of the conductors 16 extend in the conductor-receiving conduits 54 past the contact-receiving enclosures 52.
• the contacts 22 are inserted into the housing 46 from the bottom surface 50.
• the folded over areas 30 of the wire termination sections 24 are inserted into the slots 58 of the contact-receiving projections 56.
• the slots 34 of the folded over areas 30 of the wire termination sections 24 engage the conductors 16 positioned in the conductor-receiving conduits 54, causing the insulation of the conductors 16 to be displaced, as is known for insulation displacement type contacts, and providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the contacts 22 and the conductors 16.
• the wire termination sections 24 With the wire termination sections 24 properly positioned in the slots 58 of the contact-receiving projections 56, the wire termination sections 24 are maintained in position by barbs, interference fit, or other know means.
• the printed circuit board 42 is moved into engagement with the curved sections 38 of the substrate engagement sections 28 of the contacts 22. As this occurs, the contacts 22 are resilient compresses or deformed, such that the curved sections 38 of the substrate engagement sections 28 of the contacts 22 exert a force on the circuit pads 40 of the printed circuit board 42 to retain the contacts 22 in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pads 40.
• the movement of the printed circuit board 42 toward the electrical connector 14 causes the contacts 22 to resilient deform or deflect by 4 mm or more to provide a sufficient mating force between the contacts 22 and the circuit pads 40.
• the wire termination sections 24 remains in a fixed position in the slots 58 of the contact-receiving projections 56.
• the substrate engagement sections 28 are moved in a direction which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contacts 22, causing the transition or compliant sections 26 to pivot about the points where the transition or compliant sections 26 engage the wire termination sections 24.
• the rigidity of the points where the transition or compliant sections 26 engage the wire termination sections 24 and the rigidity of the embossments 36 determine the mating force applied by the contacts 22 to the circuit pads 40.
• a second illustrative wire harness 1 10 includes a first connector 1 12, a second connector 1 14 and wires or conductors 1 16 extending therebetween. In the embodiment shown, four conductors 1 16 are provided, but other number of conductors 1 16 can be provided to accommodate the electrical requirements without departing from the scope of the invention.
• Contacts 1 18 are provided at one end of the conductors 1 16.
• the contacts 1 18 are configured to be inserted into the housing 120 of the first connector 1 12. While crimped contacts 1 18 are shown, the contacts 1 18 are not so limited.
• the first connector 1 12 is not limited to the type of plug connector shown. In some embodiments, the first connector 1 12 is connected to the circuitry of an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator).
• the second connector 1 14 has contacts 122 provided therein.
• contacts 122 are provided so that each of the conductors 1 16 may be terminated.
• other numbers of contacts 122 may be provided based on the number of conductors 1 16.
• the contacts 122 are stamped and formed from material having the appropriate electrical and mechanical characteristics.
• the contacts 122 have housing termination sections 124, transition or compliant sections 126 and substrate engagement sections 128.
• the housing termination sections 124 have housing engagement members 130 which extend from vertical members 132.
• Mounting openings 134 (FIG. 7) are provided in the housing engagement members 130.
• the housing engagement members 130 extend at essentially right angles from the vertical members 132, although other angles may be used.
• Embossments 136 extend from the housing engagement members 130 to the vertical members 132 to provide additional strength and stability. The shape, size and positioning of the embossments 136 may be varied depending upon the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contacts that is desired.
• the transition or compliant sections 126 extend from the housing termination sections 124. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the transition or compliant sections 126 extend at essentially right angles from the housing termination sections 124, although other angles may be used.
• the substrate engagement sections 128 extend from the transition or compliant sections 126. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the substrate engagement sections 128 extend at essentially right angles from the transition or compliant sections 126, although other angles may be used.
• the substrate engagement sections 128 have curved contact sections 138 which are configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with circuit pads 142 of a mating printed circuit board 140 (FIG. 5).
• Embossments 144 are provided on the curved contact sections 138 to provide additional strength and stability between the curved contact sections 138. The shape, size and positioning of the embossments 144 may be varied depending upon the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contacts that is desired.
• the housing 146 of the second connector 1 14 has an upper surface 148 and an oppositely facing lower surface 150. As best shown in FIG. 7, openings 152 extend from the upper surface 148 to the lower surface 150. In the embodiment shown, four openings 152 are provided, however other numbers of openings 152 may be provided based on the number of contacts 122 and conductors 1 16. The openings 152 are dimensioned to receive the mounting hardware 154 therein.
• Ring contacts 156 are provided at the ends of the conductors 1 16.
• the ring contacts 156 are provided in-line with the openings 152.
• the ring contacts 156 have openings 158 to receive the mounting hardware 154 therein.
• the openings 158 of the ring contacts 156 of the conductors 1 16 are positioned in line with the openings 152.
• the mounting openings 134 of the contacts 122 are also positioned in line with the openings 152.
• the mounting hardware 154 is inserted through the openings 158, the openings 152 and the openings 134 to secure the conductors 1 16 and the contacts 122 to the housing 146.
• the mounting hardware 146 also provides the electrical connection between the ring contacts 156 of the conductors 1 16 and the contacts 122.
• the printed circuit board 140 is moved into engagement with the curved sections 138 of the substrate engagement sections 128 of the contacts 122.
• the contacts 122 are resilient compresses or deformed, such that the curved sections 138 of the substrate engagement sections 128 of the contacts 122 exert a force on the circuit pads 142 of the printed circuit board 140 to retain the contacts 122 in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pads 142.
• the movement of the printed circuit board 140 toward the electrical connector 1 14 causes the contacts 122 to resilient deform or deflect by 4 mm or more to provide a sufficient mating force between the contacts 122 and the circuit pads 142.
• the housing engagement members 130 and the vertical members 132 of the housing termination sections 124 remains in a fixed position.
• the substrate engagement sections 128 are moved in a direction which is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contacts 122, causing the transition or compliant sections 126 to pivot about the points where the transition or compliant sections 126 engage the vertical members 132.
• the rigidity of the points where the transition or compliant sections 26 engage the vertical members 132 determine the mating force applied by the contacts 122 to the circuit pads 142.
• a refrigerator may include the wire harness 1 10, and the wire harness 1 10 may be connected to the circuitry of the refrigerator.
• the wire harness 1 10 may part of a refrigerator manifold that is configured to receive a water filter.
• the printed circuit board 140 may be located on the exterior of the water filter and connected to the circuitry of the water filter. When the water filter is inserted into the manifold, the wire harness 1 10 engages the printed circuit board 140 in order to establish an electrical connection between the circuitry of the refrigerator and the circuitry of the water filter.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
• Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
• Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
• Organic Chemistry (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
• Water Treatment By Sorption (AREA)
• Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=68051980

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Families Citing this family (5)

Family Cites Families (36)

• 2019
  • 2019-09-11 WO PCT/US2019/050519 patent/WO2020055947A1/en unknown
  • 2019-09-11 SG SG11202102464VA patent/SG11202102464VA/en unknown
  • 2019-09-11 EP EP19773673.9A patent/EP3850708A1/de active Pending
  • 2019-09-11 CA CA3112392A patent/CA3112392A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-09-11 MX MX2021003029A patent/MX2021003029A/es unknown
  • 2019-09-11 US US16/566,931 patent/US11031710B2/en active Active
  • 2019-09-11 CN CN201980059550.1A patent/CN112997362B/zh active Active
  • 2019-09-13 CA CA3108898A patent/CA3108898A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-09-13 CN CN201980056626.5A patent/CN112655121A/zh active Pending
  • 2019-09-13 WO PCT/US2019/051076 patent/WO2020056305A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2019-09-13 CA CA3175842A patent/CA3175842A1/en active Pending
• 2021
  • 2021-05-28 US US17/333,181 patent/US11757217B2/en active Active

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